MACRO PULSE
2026 Outlook: Charting the Year Ahead
As investors look to 2026, markets are defined by tension. Our Global Market Strategy team shares their outlook.
From the Global Market Strategy Team: How a U.S. government shutdown hits the strategist desk Get Our Insights >
Smart insights drive stronger portfolios
We leverage proprietary research and collaborate with investment teams across New York Life Investment Management to offer timely answers to the questions facing investors today in key areas:
Chart of the Week: Is Broader Better?
WEEK OF MARCH 15, 2026
For over three years, investors have worried that U.S. equity returns have been overly dependent on a handful of large cap growth companies. 2026 has delivered on broader market performance – but is broader really better?
Read Macro Pulse Report: Dog Days, Data Shifts
Market Matters: the Cycle Extends but Volatility Returns
The year has started with a tug-of-war between resilient growth and rising policy risk, and the path forward for markets will likely continue to be punctuated by event risk. In this Macro Pulse update, Julia Hermann and Michael LoGalbo discuss how geopolitical regime change, AI concentration, and supportive U.S. policy are shaping the base case.
Video Insights: the Cycle Extends but Volatility Returns
If the data is holding up, why are markets hesitating? Michael LoGalbo breaks down three forces driving market outcomes in 2026, and the key risk that could upend the outlook.
The cycle extends but volatility returns
The Cycle Extends But Volatility Returns
2025 | Trust or Bust: The Next Era of Global Debt Sustainability
The choices governments make will shape long-term capital markets assumptions around inflation, interest rates, and potential growth; and will influence asset allocation.
A global debt sustainability framework:
Private Markets
Navigate the next phase of global private markets
Key investor questions:
- How does an extended but maturing private markets cycle change where investors should be selective across private equity, private credit, real estate, and real assets?
- Where are the most compelling opportunities as policy support, easing financial conditions, and elevated long-term rates reshape valuations, deal activity, and underwriting discipline?
- How are global transitions such as AI, digitization, electrification, and supply chain reconfiguration creating long-term, capital-intensive opportunities across private markets?
Prospective investors should be aware that investments in private funds or alternative investment strategies are suitable only for qualified investors who do not require liquidity and who can bear the economic risk, including the potential for a complete loss, of their investment. Investors are encouraged to consult their tax or legal advisors before making such investments.
Video: Private Markets Outlook - Extending the Cycle
About Global Market Strategy
Our team of market strategists connects macroeconomics to asset allocation. We provide actionable insight into market-driving events, structural themes, and portfolio construction to empower investment decision-making.
Lauren Goodwin, CFA
Chief Market Strategist
Julia Hermann, CFA
Global Market Strategist
Michael LoGalbo, CFA
Global Market Strategist
Sarah Hirsch
Global Market Strategist
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